NSV coping well with fibromyalgia

I suffer from fibromyalgia. 2 years ago I could barely walk and I was having physiotherapy just to be able to raise my arms above my head. I suffered from insomna , brain fog and chronic fatigue, IBS and GERD. I hurt all over all the time. On day in September 2010 I had enough. I vowed to take my life back and I joined the gym.

I started out very slowly, 10 minutes and I was exhausted but I kept at it. I began to overhaul my eating too. I have to lose weight but above all I want to be healthy. I added weights using the machines as I have billateral carpel tunnel so free weights are not good for me. I found I love weights and soon I was pushing and pressing over 20 metric tons a session. I kept at it for about 18 months and then I had an operation and needed to rest. Unfortunately, I rested a bit too long and bad habits crept back in. Within a few weeks the pain was back, the stiffness, the confustion, you name it.

Two months ago I went back to the gym. I go 6 days a week and a typical week would be 2 sessions of elliptical for 60 mins, 2 sessions of weight machines rapid lifting (almost as cardio, heart rate up, short breaks) and 2 sesions of heavy muscle building weights. I also overhauled my diet again and went grain free (apart from oats for breakfast)and cut dairy back to just a little hard cheese to add flavour and calcium and a little milk for my porridge. I cut out sugar apart from a couple of portions of fruit a day. I cut artificial sweeners completely. I increased protein and good fats. I have lost 14lbs and gained muscle. However the daily pain of fibromyalgia, the IBS and GERD and the confusion and sleep disorders have gone. Maybe not for good as fibro can flare up, but the difference is amazing. Weight loss is not fast but health is the key : )